What do you think?

[mstank]

96 318ti (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=187674183&dealer_id=56768159&car_year=1996&search_type=both&make=BMW&model=318TI&transmission=Manual&distance=50&address=92626&make2=&advanced=y&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=&min_price=&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&isp=y&engine=&doors=&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=36)

1996 BMW 318TI, 56K mi, air bag, ac, p/windows, Low miles, Good condition, Clean title, Priced to sell, $5,450, 310-428-1864

Driver Air Bag; Air Conditioning; Compact Disc Changer; Passenger Air Bag; Power Windows; Power Steering; (cloth seats)


OR


95 318ti (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=187068482&dealer_id=56711123&car_year=1995&search_type=both&make=BMW&model=318TI&transmission=Manual&distance=50&address=92626&make2=&advanced=y&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=&min_price=&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&isp=y&engine=&doors=&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=30)

1995 BMW 318TI, hatchback, 5 spd stick shift, blk, clean in/out, good cond, salvage title, must see, $4500 obo, 310-351-4038 (has no milage)


I eventually plan on doing a full m3 swap so which one would be the better buy? Is the 96 worth the extra grand?

[aceyx]

the '95 will be easier to run the swap if you live in the republic of kali since it is OBDI. however, salvage titles are REAL sketchy. state laws vary, so it may just have been stolen and recovered. or it could have been mangled and restored--in this case, you probably don't want it since it can cause many problems later on down the road. or, it might even drive all wonky. make sure you get it on the highway (speed test!) before you buy it.

and pay a trusted mechanic to check it out.

[DGWGuitars]

I strongly agree with aceyx, RUN, do not walk, away from anything that says "salvage". You'll probably spend a lot more in fixing (if it can be fixed) what's likely wrong with it than the difference in cost between that one and the '96. In any case run a CarFax on it AND, as aceyx says, spend the money to have a BMW mechanic do a thorough examination of it.